Erling Haaland was on target as Manchester City beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Premier League, giving Pep Guardiola two wins from two this season against his former assistant Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea winger, Noni Madueke opened the scoring for Chelsea in the third minute after an error from Man City debutant Abdukodir Khusanov. Josko Gvardiol responded for the hosts in the 42nd minute, sliding home a rebound after Robert Sanchez denied Matheus Nunes.
Erling Haaland scored his 18th goal in the Premier League to give City their first lead of the match in the 68th minute, lifting a simple finish over Sanchez after the keeper came too far off his line. Phil Foden put the game beyond Chelsea’s reach with a clinical finish in the 87th minute after strong hold-up play by Haaland.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea aren’t in action again until next Monday Feb. 3, when they host West Ham United in the Premier League. That match will be Graham Potter’s first return to Stamford Bridge since he was let go as Chelsea manager in April 2023.
Read also: Why is Chelsea’s season falling apart?!
What’s next for Man City?
Manchester City are back in action on Wednesday in the Champions League, hosting Club Bruges at the Etihad. Currently sitting just outside the play-off spots in 25th place, City need a victory to have any chance at avoiding a shock elimination from the tournament.
Robert Sanchez makes another error
Robert Sanchez’s mistake that led to Erling Haaland’s go-ahead goal in the second half was his fifth error of the season that led to a goal. No player in the Premier League has made more this season, nor has any Chelsea player made more in a single season dating back to 2007-08.
Sanchez has been under fire from Chelsea fans lately, also making an error that led to a goal against Wolves on Monday. Speaking yesterday, Enzo Maresca said that he wants him to remain his No 1 for the rest of the campaign, but offered no assurances about keeping his place beyond that.
He also declared that he expects more from him, saying, “He’s getting better but he’s still far, far, far from where I want him to be.” His assessment today may be less positive.
With his game-sealing strike in the 87th minute, Phil Foden has now scored in four consecutive Premier League games for the first time in his career.
Foden leads all PL players with six goals in the calendar year 2025.
